Johnny Cardoso expressed his gratitude to Diego Simeone for believing in him, although the Atletico Madrid coach expects the midfielder to deliver more to keep him in mind for future selections.
The United States international underwent surgery in May to fix an issue with his right ankle.
After being limited to a few substitute appearances since his return at the end of August, Cardoso started and played 85 minutes in Atletico’s impressive 4-0 victory over Osasuna on Wednesday.
He marked his comeback by providing an assist, setting up Alex Baena for the final goal in a dominant La Liga match.
“I’ve dealt with some tough months post-surgery, struggling with my ankle,” Cardoso reflected.
“Now I feel great, and what better way to make my comeback than with a home win and a clean sheet?”
“This performance reflects the hard work I’ve put in both physically and mentally since the surgery.”
“I’m grateful to the coach for his trust, but it ultimately rests on me. I need to be at my best and ready to contribute whenever called upon, even if only for a few minutes. The coach will ensure everyone performs at their peak.”
The perfect way to end the night #LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/jAd3kaHccF
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) September 16, 2026
Only Koke matched or exceeded Cardoso’s stats for touches (91) and accurate passes (77) during a solid performance from the returning midfielder.
Simeone was pleased with Cardoso’s display but noted that he needs to consistently replicate such performances to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup.
“Johnny needs to keep playing like he did today or as he did when he came on against Real Sociedad,” Simeone remarked.
“These are the types of performances that make me consider him more. He has the potential; now he just needs to deliver it consistently, and I hope he can help us out.”
“He has been working extraordinarily hard since last season. He experienced injuries, and it’s crucial that this season he finds stability whenever he gets his chance.”
In contrast, Simeone had no reservations praising Cristian Romero after Atletico recorded a second straight clean sheet in the league, following a 3-0 win against La Real.
“We pursued him for two years, and he wanted to join us just as long,” Simeone said about the former Tottenham defender.
“The club made a significant effort to sign him, and he provides what we need. I hope he can keep this form while staying grounded.”
“He possesses a lot of personality and presence, and we need him to remain as he is. He came here to be a key player for both the club and the team.”
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the potential resurgence of Johnny Cardoso, a promising talent who could become a staple in Atletico’s lineup. His development and consistent performances could enhance the competitiveness of La Liga, showcasing yet another young player emerging on the European stage.
Source: www.soccernews.com
